System and method for managing a surveillance system

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network device including a controller programmed to receive security video content associated with a premises where the security video content has been captured by one or more cameras located within or in proximity to the premises and where the premises have one or more digital video recorders, and transmit the security video content to the digital video recorders for forwarding to a communication device that is remote from the premises, where the security video content is wirelessly transmitted over a wireless television channel dynamically selected from available wireless television channels associated with the premises. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/301,023, filed Jun. 10, 2014, which is acontinuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/787,357, filed May 25, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,093). Thecontents of the forgoing are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems andmore specifically to a method and apparatus for managing a surveillancesystem.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Interactive TV networks provide a multitude of services includingbroadcast programming and video-on-demand. These networks reach out tousers in various environments including single family residences,multi-dwelling apartments and commercial facilities. The types ofservice and the ability to provide those services is often dependent onthe particular environment of the potential users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 4 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systemsthat provide media and surveillance services;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal interacting withthe communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication deviceutilized in the communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interfacefor the surveillance system of FIGS. 1 and 4;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method operating inportions of the communications systems of FIGS. 1 and 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a network devicecomprising a controller programmed to receive security video contentassociated with a premises where the security video content has beencaptured by one or more cameras located within or in proximity to thepremises and where the premises has one or more Digital Video Recorders(DVRs), and transmit the security video content to the DVR forforwarding to a communication device that is remote from the premises,where the security video content is wirelessly transmitted over awireless television (TV) channel dynamically selected from availablewireless TV channels associated with the premises.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium comprising computer instructions toreceive a broadcast of security video content at a Digital VideoRecorder (DVR) where the security video content is associated with apremises having a plurality of dwelling units where the security videocontent has been captured by one or more cameras located within or inproximity to the premises where the broadcast of the security videocontent has been performed at least in part wirelessly over a wirelesstelevision (TV) channel dynamically selected from available wireless TVchannels associated with the premises, and transmit the security videocontent from the DVR to a communication device that is remote from thepremises.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a methodcomprising receiving security video content associated with a premiseshaving a plurality of display devices where the security video contenthas been captured by one or more cameras located within or in proximityto the premises, and broadcasting the security video content to thedisplay devices, where the security video content is wirelesslybroadcast over a wireless television (TV) channel dynamically selectedfrom available wireless TV channels associated with the premises, andwhere the broadcast of the security video content is performedindependently of interactive TV services provided to the displaydevices.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 100 for delivering media content. The communication system 100can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast mediasystem. The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)110 with at least one super headend office server (SHS) 111 whichreceives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communicationsystems. In the present context, media content can represent audiocontent, moving image content such as videos, still image content, orcombinations thereof. The SHS server 111 can forward packets associatedwith the media content to video head-end servers (VHS) 114 via a networkof video head-end offices (VHO) 112 according to a common multicastcommunication protocol.

The VHS 114 can distribute multimedia broadcast programs via an accessnetwork 118 to commercial and/or residential buildings 102 housing agateway 104 (such as a common residential or commercial gateway). Thebuilding 102 can be various types including multi-dwelling units whichhouse a plurality of different subscribers. The access network 118 canrepresent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers(DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface thatprovide broadband services over optical links or copper twisted pairs119 to buildings 102. The gateway 104 can use common communicationtechnology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors 106 suchas Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels tomedia devices 108 such as computers or television sets managed in someinstances by a media controller 107 (such as an infrared or RF remotecontrol).

The gateway 104, the media processors 106, and media devices 108 canutilize tethered interface technologies (such as coaxial or phone linewiring) or can operate over a common wireless access protocol. Withthese interfaces, unicast communications can be invoked between themedia processors 106 and subsystems of the IPTV media system forservices such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 130 a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing portal services over an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) network 132 to wireline media devices 108 or wirelesscommunication devices 116 by way of a wireless access base station 117operating according to common wireless access protocols such as WirelessFidelity (WiFi), or cellular communication technologies (such as GSM,CDMA, UMTS, WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, and so on).

Another distinct portion of the computing devices 130 can function as aserver (herein referred to as server 130). The server 130 can use commoncomputing and communication technology to perform the function ofrelaying and/or receiving media content to ISP network 132 or to othernetworks.

It will be appreciated by an artisan of ordinary skill in the art that asatellite broadcast television system can be used in place of the IPTVmedia system. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 115supplying media content can be intercepted by a common satellite dishreceiver 131 coupled to the building 102. Modulated signals interceptedby the satellite dish receiver 131 can be submitted to the mediaprocessors 106 for generating broadcast channels which can be presentedat the media devices 108. The media processors 106 can be equipped witha broadband port to the ISP network 132 to enable infrastructureservices such as VoD and EPG described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital broadcast distributionsystem such as cable TV system 133 can be used in place of the IPTVmedia system described above. In this embodiment the cable TV system 133can provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

In one embodiment, the building 102 can have a surveillance system 150including various security devices such as security cameras, motiondetectors, automated door locks, intercoms, processors and so forth.Each of the units and/or subscribers within the building 102 can have acognitive radio transceiver (CRT) 175 that can wirelessly receivesignals from the surveillance system 150. The signals can be video mediacaptured by security cameras throughout the building (such as at thefront door, the pool, and so forth).

In another embodiment, a Base Station (BS) 180 can be used forfacilitating the transmission of the signals between the BS 180 and eachCRT 175. For example, where the building 102 is a multi-floor,multi-dwelling building, a BS 180 can be positioned on each floor of thebuilding to receive the signals from the surveillance system 150 andre-transmit the signals to each CRT 175 on that particular floor. The BS180 can receive the signals from the surveillance system 150 wirelessly(such as using cognitive radio, 802.11 protocol, 802.22 protocol and soforth) and/or through a hardwire connection. The BS 180 can thenre-transmit the signals to the CRT's 175 wirelessly, such as usingcognitive radio or 802.22 protocol. In another embodiment, thesurveillance system 150, the BS 180 and the CRT's 175 can performtwo-way communication, including allowing the CRTs to provide spectruminformation to the surveillance system to facilitate selection of atransmission channel under the cognitive radio or 802.22 protocols.

It follows from the above illustrations that the present disclosure canapply to any present or future interactive over-the-air or landlinemedia content services.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal 202 which canoperate from the computing devices 130 described earlier ofcommunication system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The portal 202 can beused for managing services of communication system 100. The portal 202can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with a commonInternet browser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer™ using anInternet-capable communication device such as those described forFIG. 1. The portal 202 can be configured, for example, to access a mediaprocessor 106 and services managed thereby such as a Digital VideoRecorder (DVR), a VoD catalog, an EPG, a personal catalog (such aspersonal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored in the mediaprocessor, provisioning IMS services, provisioning Internet services,provisioning cellular phone services, provisioning surveillance servicesand so on. For example, a user can utilize the portal to configure thecognitive radio processor for receiving video security footage as it iscaptured by security cameras in the building. In another embodiment, thecaptured video can be forwarded to other communication devices and/orentities, such as a mobile telephone of the user or the police.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication device 300.Communication device 300 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the communication devices of FIG. 1. Thecommunication device 300 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 302 (herein transceiver 302), a user interface (UI) 304, apower supply 314, a location receiver 316, and a controller 306 formanaging operations thereof. The transceiver 302 can support short-rangeor long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi,Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), or cellularcommunication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologiescan include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE,EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, and next generation cellular wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 302 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCPIP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 304 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 308 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, joystick, mouse, ornavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device300. The keypad 308 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 300 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad 308 canrepresent a numeric dialing keypad commonly used by phones, and/or aQwerty keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 304 can further include adisplay 310 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technologyfor conveying images to an end user of the communication device 300. Inan embodiment where the display 310 is touch-sensitive, a portion or allof the keypad 308 can be presented by way of the display.

The UI 304 can also include an audio system 312 that utilizes commonaudio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heardonly in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such asspeakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system 312 can furtherinclude a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. Theaudio system 312 can also be used for voice recognition applications.The UI 304 can further include an image sensor 313 such as a chargedcoupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 314 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy tothe components of the communication device 300 to facilitate long-rangeor short-range portable applications. The location receiver 316 canutilize common location technology such as a global positioning system(GPS) receiver for identifying a location of the communication device300 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites,thereby facilitating common location services such as navigation.

The communication device 300 can use the transceiver 302 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi or Bluetooth access point bycommon power sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA) or timeof flight (TOF). The controller 306 can utilize computing technologiessuch as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or avideo processor with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM, RAM,SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies.

The communication device 300 can be adapted to perform the functions ofthe media processor 106, the media devices 108, or the portablecommunication devices 116 of FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that thecommunication device 300 can also represent other common devices thatcan operate in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 such as a gamingconsole and a media player.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 400 for providingsurveillance services to a plurality of users, the system 400 beingoperable in portions of the communications system of FIG. 1. The system400 can include a premises or building 102, which has a plurality ofmedia display devices 108 connected with STBs 106 and CRT's 175. Thebuilding 102 can be a multi-dwelling, multi-floor building, althoughother premises configurations are also contemplated. The media devices108 can present media content and surveillance data, including securityvideo content. The media content provided via a content network 450 caninclude video, audio, still images, text, other media content, and/orcombinations thereof. Media content and iTV services provided by thecontent network 450 can include IPTV, interactive cable television,and/or interactive satellite television. The surveillance services canbe provided using the wireless network 475 with the CRT 175 providingthe data to the display device 108. One or more video cameras 480, whichare strategically positioned with respect to the building 102, can feedsecurity video content to the network 475.

In one embodiment, the security video content can be provided to a DVR410 that stores the content or a portion thereof. The security videocontent can be provided from the DVR 410 to other devices and/orentities, including those that are remote from the premises. Forexample, the security video content can be selectively forwarded to oneor more other communication devices associated with the user. Forinstance, security video content can be transmitted to a cellular phoneof the user when the user is away from the premises. In anotherembodiment, the security video content can be transmitted to a securitycompany or the police.

The transmission of the security video content to another device orentity can be selectively performed. In one embodiment, transmission ofthe security video content to another entity or device can be associatedwith detection of an undesired condition associated with the premises.For instance, video recognition can be applied to the security videocontent to detect the undesired condition, such as an unauthorizedindividual in a particular location. In another embodiment, the videorecognition can be used to determine unauthorized behavior or aprobability of unauthorized activity, such as objects in an area beingmoved (furniture in the lobby being taken). The video recognition can beperformed by various devices, including a server located at thepremises, as well as a remote back-end server of the ISP. The particularvideo or image recognition technique employed can also vary.

In one embodiment, the video recognition can be applied to the movementof individuals to determine the probability of the behavior beingunauthorized such as rapid movement through a particular area (e.g.,running, violent motions, and so forth). These video recognitiontechniques can be employed to determine if the security video contentshould be transmitted to another entity or device, including a securitycompany. In another embodiment, the security video recognition can beused to flag a portion of the video content so that it can be reviewedfor an undesired condition associated with the premises. Othertechniques can be used to selectively forward the security video contentto another device or entity, including motion detectors that monitor thearea associated with the video content.

The content network 450 can be operably coupled to a gateway and candeliver the media content to the gateway, which can serve as aninterface between the content network 450 and the othercomponents/devices of a user's media system. The gateway can relay themedia content to STB 106, which can have an associated remote control107. The remote control 107 can be utilized to switch channels, adjustvolume, record media content, interact with media content, and/orperform other functions. The remote control 107 can also be used tointeract with the surveillance services. For instance, the remotecontrol 107 can be used for switching between camera views, forwardingcaptured video content (such as to the police or to other residents ofthe building 102) and for configuring the surveillance account.

As shown in FIG. 5, the display device 108 can present the securityvideo content in a security GUI 550. The video content 560 can bepresented in one or more views (such as three views from three camerasas depicted in FIG. 5). The security GUI 550 can include a toolbar 575for interactive use of the surveillance services, including selection ofthe cameras, selection of the video format, recording of the securityvideo content, transmission of the video content to other entities ordevices and so forth. The remote control 107 can be used to interactwith the surveillance services and/or can be used for interacting withthe media services, such as through the STB. The display device 108 canpresent media content 525 while allowing for selective presentation ofthe security video content within the GUI 550. In one embodiment, theuser can select a desired presentation format, such as presenting anindicator (visual and/or audio) when an individual and/or undesiredcondition is believed to be present in the video content that has justbeen captured. Based on the indicator, the user can then choose whetherGUI 550 should appear along a portion of the display screen. Otherdisplay techniques are also contemplated by the present disclosure,including using a dedicated channel for presenting the security videocontent.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative method 600 that operates in portions ofthe communication systems of FIGS. 1 and 4. Method 600 can begin withstep 602 in which security information is captured by surveillancedevices strategically positioned with respect to a premises. Thesecurity information can include video or still images captured bycameras located in various areas, such as at points of entry withrespect to the premises. Other security information can also becaptured, including motion detection.

In step 604, the captured video content can be provided to base stationsthroughout the building, such as located on each floor. The content canbe transmitted wirelessly to the base stations, such as through use ofan 802.11 compatible system or WiFi. Other wireless transmission canalso be utilized to deliver the captured video content from the camerasto the base stations, including cognitive radio techniques including802.22 compatible systems. In another embodiment, the cameras candeliver the captured video content to the base stations via a hardwirelink. The present disclosure contemplates the use of a combination ofwireless and wireline delivery of the content to the base stations.

In step 606, the security video content can be transmitted from the basestations to each of or a select portion of the user transceivers, suchas through multicast. The user transceivers can be located in each ofthe apartment units in the building and wireless transmission usingcognitive radio techniques can be employed. For example, the basestations can employ the 802.22 standard for multicast wirelesstransmission, where the security video content is transmitted overunused channels in the TV spectrum. In one embodiment, this spectrum canbe between 54 and 862 MHz in the UHF and VHF channels. The presentdisclosure also contemplates use of the guard bands for transmission.

Implementation of the cognitive radio transmission, including the 802.22techniques, can be performed in a number of different ways. For example,monitoring of the available white space in the TV spectrum can beperformed, such as by the transceiver, and then can be forwarded to thebase stations so that the video content is transmitted in a channel withminimum or no interference. In another embodiment, a separate monitoringunit, such as a server located at the building, can be used fordetermining the appropriate channel for wirelessly broadcasting thesecurity video content. The present disclosure also contemplates thechannel determination being made remotely from the building. Theparticular technique can vary. One such technique is described in U.S.Patent Publication No. 2009/0144791, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

In step 608, the transceiver can convert the format of the securityvideo content for display on the media display device. In oneembodiment, the received content can be in CODFM, VC1 or H264 and can beconverted to composite video. In another embodiment, the particularformat that the content is converted to can be selected based onattributes of the display device. These attributes can be detected bythe transceiver and/or pre-selected by the user when configuring thetransceiver. In another embodiment, these attributes can be determinedbased on a user profile associated with the display device that isaccessed by the transceiver. Once converted, the security video contentcan be presented at the display device as in step 610. The security GUI550, which includes the captured video content, can be displayed on themedia device 108, which can be a television, a computer, a cellulardevice, or other device capable of displaying a GUI. In one embodiment,a user can utilize a command in the “View” menu to zoom in on aparticular location, which implements a zoom function on the camera.Camera motion can also be controlled using this procedure. In anotherembodiment, camera control can be subject to administrative privileges,such as only allowing floor captains to operate the cameras.

In step 612, it can be determined whether there is a request to forwardthe security video content to another entity and/or device. The requestcan be based on user interaction with the transceiver at the time ofpresentation of the security video content and/or can be based onpre-determined criteria for forwarding the content. For instance,security video content that is being presented in real-time on thedisplay device can be forward in near real-time based on an input from auser at the time of presentation. As another example, security videocontent, which has been recorded on the user's DVR can be forwarded atthe time of viewing of the recorded content based on an input from theuser at the time of viewing. The present disclosure contemplates thetransceiver and/or the display device plugging into a USB port on theSTB so that the captured security video content can be provided to theDVR for selective recording.

As yet another example, rules can be established for forwarding of thesecurity video content to the other entity and/or device. For instance,a user can forward all security video content to the user's cellularphone for remotely viewing when the user is not at the premises. A usercan also forward all security video content to another communicationdevice when the user knows that he or she will be in proximity to thisother communication device (such as a hotel when on vacation). Inanother embodiment, the user can remotely access the security videocontent stored on the DVR using the portal or other internet connection.

In step 614, the security video content can be transmitted to thedesignated other entity (such as the police or a security company) orother device. In one embodiment, the transceiver can provide the DVRwith multiple formats of the security video content so that the contentis ready for presentation at the display device as well as ready fortransmission to one or more other communication devices and/or entities.The transmission of the content to the other communication devicesand/or other entities can be performed using various modes ofcommunication. For instance, the STB can transmit the content over theinternet to the target. Other paths and protocols are also contemplated,including transmission using the 802.22 and/or IPTV networks to reachthe targets. In another embodiment, the user can share the video contentwith other users in different units of the building.

In one embodiment, the presentation of real-time security video contentat a display device can be performed independently of any interactive TVsystem connected with the display device. In another embodiment, thedelivery of the real-time security video content to a DVR can beperformed independently of any interactive TV system, such that thedelivery of the security content does not require use of the iTVinterfacing network devices, such as the residential gateway. Thedisplay device can simultaneously receive the security video contentfrom the cognitive radio transceiver and receive the media content fromthe interactive TV system, such as an IPTV network.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. For example, forwarding of thecaptured security video content can be based on presence informationassociated with the user's communication devices. Various techniques canbe implemented for determining a probability that a user will beavailable at a particular communication device, such as monitoringmovement or activity of a communication device.

In one embodiment, the surveillance system can be linked with an E911system through use of the DVR. The security video content and/or amessage associated with an undesired condition of the premises can betransmitted using the E911 system through such a link. The exemplaryembodiments can be used for retro-fitting existing surveillance systemsso that security video content can be delivered to the individual unitsin a building without the need to re-wire a building.

In yet another embodiment, the cognitive radio transceivers can beutilized for establishing audio and/or video conferencing betweenindividual units in the building (and/or between a unit and the frontoffice of the building). For instance, audio and/or video conferencingbetween individual units can be established using signals transmittedover the 802.22 network.

Other suitable modifications can be applied to the present disclosurewithout departing from the scope of the claims below. Accordingly, thereader is directed to the claims section for a fuller understanding ofthe breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 700 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly anyelectronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 700 may include a processor 702 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a mainmemory 704 and a static memory 706, which communicate with each othervia a bus 708. The computer system 700 may further include a videodisplay unit 710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, asolid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system700 may include an input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 714 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 716, a signal generationdevice 718 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 720.

The disk drive unit 716 may include a machine-readable medium 722 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 724)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 724may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the mainmemory 704, the static memory 706, and/or within the processor 702during execution thereof by the computer system 700. The main memory 704and the processor 702 also may constitute machine-readable media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 724, or that which receives and executes instructions 724from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 726 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 726 using the instructions 724. Theinstructions 724 may further be transmitted or received over a network726 via the network interface device 720.

While the machine-readable medium 722 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken toinclude, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape;and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives is considered a distributionmedium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of amachine-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a memory to store computer instructions; and a processor coupled with the memory, wherein the processor, responsive to executing the computer instructions, performs operations comprising: receiving security video content associated with a premises, the security video content having been captured by a camera located within or in proximity to the premises, wherein the security video content is provided to a surveillance network having subscribers, wherein each of a plurality of transceivers located at the premises is coupled with one of a plurality of digital video recorders, each subscriber at the premises having a respective one of the plurality of transceivers and a respective one of the plurality of digital video recorders; detecting in the security video content an undesired condition associated with the premises; receiving television spectrum data from a first transceiver from among the plurality of transceivers, wherein the television spectrum data is based on monitoring at the premises by the first transceiver of available television spectrum space comprising unused channels to determine a channel for wirelessly transmitting the security video content, where the channel is determined by the first transceiver to have reduced interference with respect to other channels; transmitting the security video content to the first transceiver for storage at a first digital video recorder from among the plurality of digital video recorders, resulting in stored security video content; and responsive to the detecting the undesired condition, enabling the first digital video recorder to forward the stored security video content to a communication device that is remote from the premises, wherein the stored security video content is forwarded by being transmitted over a wireless television channel dynamically selected by the processor from available wireless television channels associated with the premises according to the television spectrum data, wherein the communication device is associated with an entity other than the subscribers at the premises; wherein the first digital video recorder is enabled to present the stored security video content at a display device associated with the first digital video recorder, wherein the first digital video recorder is provided with the stored security video content by the first transceiver in a first format for presentation at the display device and in a second format for forwarding to the communication device; and wherein the first digital video recorder is enabled to present the stored security video content at the display device simultaneously with media content, wherein the media content is provided by a content network distinct from the surveillance network.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise enabling generation of a graphical user interface for presentation on the display device associated with the first digital video recorder.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the graphical user interface occupies a portion of a screen of the display device and allows presentation of the media content on another portion of the screen.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a toolbar that allows for controlling of the camera.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the transmitting to the first transceiver is according to the 802.22 standard.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the security video content to the first transceiver for storage at the first digital video recorder is performed independent of delivery of the media content to the first digital video recorder, and wherein the delivery is from an interactive television network.
 7. A computer readable storage device comprising instructions which, responsive to being executed by a processing system including a processor, cause the processing system to perform operations comprising: receiving a broadcast of security video content from a base station, the security video content being associated with a premises having a plurality of dwelling units each having a transceiver device and a digital video recorder, the broadcast being received at a first digital video recorder of the digital video recorders, the first digital video recorder being associated with a first dwelling unit of the plurality of dwelling units, the security video content having been captured by a camera located within or in proximity to the premises, the broadcast of the security video content having been performed at least in part wirelessly on a surveillance network over a wireless television channel dynamically selected by the base station from available wireless television channels associated with the premises; wherein a first transceiver device of the transceiver devices, which is associated with the first dwelling unit, monitors available television spectrum space at the premises, the available television spectrum space comprising unused channels, to determine a channel for wirelessly transmitting the security video content, where the channel is determined by the first transceiver device to have reduced interference with respect to other channels; wherein the first transceiver device provides data indicating the wireless television channel to the base station; and wherein the first transceiver device is connected with the first digital video recorder; transmitting, responsive to a detection of an undesired condition associated with the premises, the security video content stored in the first digital video recorder to a communication device that is remote from the premises and associated with an entity other than an entity associated with one of the dwelling units; presenting the security video content at a first display device associated with the first digital video recorder, wherein the first digital video recorder is provided with the security video content by the first transceiver device in a first format for presentation at the first display device and in a second format for transmission to the communication device; and receiving media content at the first digital video recorder for presentation at the first display device simultaneously with the security video content, wherein the media content is provided by a content network distinct from the surveillance network.
 8. The computer readable storage device of claim 7, wherein the operations further comprise transmitting the security video content to a mobile device associated with a user of the first digital video recorder, wherein the mobile device is selected based on presence information.
 9. The computer readable storage device of claim 7, wherein the operations further comprise performing video recognition on the security video content to detect the undesired condition associated with the premises.
 10. The computer readable storage device of claim 9, wherein the undesired condition includes unauthorized behavior, a probability of unauthorized activity, or presence of an unauthorized individual.
 11. The computer readable storage device of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise generating an alert message for display on the first display device, wherein the alert message is generated when the undesired condition is detected.
 12. The computer readable storage device of claim 10, wherein the broadcast of the security video content is performed independently of interactive television services provided to the dwelling units.
 13. A method comprising: receiving, at a base station, security video content associated with a premises having a plurality of display devices, each of the plurality of display devices being connected to a respective one of a plurality of transceivers, the security video content having been captured by a camera located within or in proximity to the premises; detecting at the base station, in the security video content, an undesired condition associated with the premises; multicasting the security video content from the base station to the plurality of display devices; wherein the security video content is wirelessly multicast on a surveillance network over a wireless television channel dynamically selected by a first transceiver of the plurality of transceivers from available wireless television channels associated with the premises; wherein the first transceiver monitors available television spectrum space at the premises, the available television spectrum space comprising unused television channels, to determine a television channel for wirelessly transmitting the security video content, where the television channel is determined by the first transceiver to have reduced interference with respect to other television channels; wherein the first transceiver provides, to the base station, data indicating the television channel that is determined; wherein the multicasting enables presentation of the security video content at the plurality of display devices; wherein each of the plurality of transceivers provides the security video content in a first format for presentation at a corresponding one of the display devices and in a second format for transmission to a communication device outside the premises and associated with an entity other than any user of the display devices at the premises, wherein transmission to the communication device is responsive to the detecting the undesired condition; and wherein the multicasting enables presentation, at the plurality of display devices, of the security video content simultaneously with media content.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising converting the security video content to a format compatible with the plurality of display devices after receipt and before multicasting to the display devices.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the undesired condition includes unauthorized behavior, a probability of unauthorized activity, or presence of an unauthorized individual.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein: the wireless multicast of the security video content is according to the 802.22 standard; and the multicasting of the security video content is performed independently of a providing of an interactive television service.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the media content includes interactive television services and is provided by a content network distinct from the surveillance network.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising enabling generation of a graphical user interface for presentation on a first display device of the plurality of display devices.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the graphical user interface occupies a portion of a screen of the first display device and allows presentation of media content on another portion of the screen.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a toolbar that allows for controlling of the camera. 